-
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN A FLORIDA
MARRIAGE LICENSE.
Click
here
for a listing of all Florida State Counties. NOT A FLORIDA
RESIDENT? Apply for your license via
mail with Sherry Matthews Consulting.
-
Wedding times and dates are subject to
change due to weather conditions. If possible, please allow
flexibility a couple of days before and after your desired date.
-
Reservations require a 30%
non-refundable deposit to
secure your wedding day.
-
NO PHOTO ID + NO FLORIDA MARRIAGE LICENSE = NO GETTING
MARRIED! Please remember to bring your government
issued Photo ID (Passport, Driver's License, Military ID) AND
your valid Florida Marriage License. If you do not have these items we
cannot legally marry you.
-
All MAINLAND weddings must be paid in full
14 days prior to
your ceremony because we only have one (1) credit card machine
and that's at the marina. We take credit and debit cards or
online payment prior
to your ceremony. Sorry, no personal checks.
-
Sailboat or Pontoon Boat weddings may pay
any balance due PRIOR to departure at the marina the day of your
wedding with cash, credit/debit card,
money orders, or travelers checks.
You may make
payment online for
a stress free day prior to your event.
-
You DO NOT need a marriage license to
renew your vows or have a commitment ceremony.
-
NO artificial "throwings"
of any kind at the bridal couple. Rice causes digestive
maladies for seagulls, herons, terns and pelicans. Silk petals
and confetti are considered littering. We suggest
bubbles.
-
Please do not ask for a dove or
butterfly release. We believe this to be inhumane.
How about we do a human release at a butterfly wedding?
-
We typically perform our beach weddings at
Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. To view this beautiful
beach, click
here.
-
Beach Weddings: Your
ceremony is scheduled to start at a specific time. If you are
running late you must call us at 727.859.0213. Any
ceremony that has not begun within 30 minutes of your scheduled
time risks the chance of your wedding being cancelled if
other weddings are scheduled after you. Please be prompt. Beach
weddings are limited to a maximum 20 total guests only - including
Bride and Groom - due to county permitting restrictions.
-
Sailboat Weddings: Your
wedding cruise is scheduled to depart at a specific time. If you
are running late you must call us at 727.859.0213. Any
wedding that has not set sail within 30 minutes of your
scheduled time
risks the chance of your wedding being cancelled. You
may also experience a shortened cruise should charters be scheduled
after you. Please be prompt. Sailboats weddings are
limited to six (6) total passengers PER BOAT including Bride and
Groom.
-
Sailboat Weddings: Wear
only white soles, non-marking soles or go barefoot! NO HEELS OF ANY TYPE!
-
Note to Bridezillas - If you
are looking for a hoity toity gala, please contact the
Ritz Carlton at 800-241-3333.
For questions about your marriage license
not answered below, please contact
the Pasco County Government complex at (727) 847 - 2411 or
www.pascocountyfl.net.
Other stuff
you'll want to know:
Does Florida require
a blood
tests?
Is there a waiting period
for the marriage license?
What is the fee
for getting a marriage license?
Must I have a license from
the County you are located in?
Are witnesses required?
How long does everything
take?
How many people may I invite
on a boat wedding?
How many people may I invite
for a beach wedding?
We'd like to meet with you
before the ceremony. Is that OK?
Where can I change into my
gown or tux?
May I bring bring my own
decorations to the beach?
What if it rains on my
wedding day?
May I marry someone of the
same gender?
May I write my own vows?
Why must I tip?
I'm really nervous and know I will need "a little something" to get
through. Any suggestions?
Who is marrying me?
Is it
PROFESSIONAL photography?
Why should we
choose Windsong Charters to marry us?
Q: Does Florida require blood
tests?
A: No. Your veins are safe in Florida!
>top
Q: Is there a waiting period
for the marriage license?
A: For Floridians ONLY. Effective January 1, 1999, there is a 3-day delay in
the effective date of the marriage license if the couple does not
participate in a premarital preparation course meeting the
requirements specified in law and whose provider is registered with
the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Non-Florida Residents may
obtain their marriage license immediately with NO waiting period.
>top
Q: What is the fee
for obtaining a marriage license?
A: For all FLORIDA RESIDENT couples who complete the premarital preparation
course, there is a reduction in the licensing fee.
NON FLORIDA RESIDENT marriage licenses are
$93.50.
>top
Q: Must I have a license from
the County you are located in?
A: No, you may obtain your
marriage license
from ANY county in the state of Florida.
Click
here for a listing of
all Florida State Counties. If you are NOT A FLORIDA RESIDENT you
may apply for your
license through the
mail.
YOU MUST APPLY FOR YOUR OWN MARRIAGE LICENSE.
>top
Q: Are witnesses required to
sign the marriage certificate?
A: Although the marriage certificate has spaces for two
witnesses to sign, witnesses are not specifically required by law.
However, it is recommended that two witnesses, sign the marriage
certificate in the event that proof of the marriage ceremony is
necessary in the future. The captain, crew or photographer will gladly
witness your marriage license. If it is just the two of
you on the beach alone, the license is completely valid without
witnesses.
>top
Q: How long does everything
take?
A: For a mainland beach only wedding, typically about an hour in total.
We will go over the marriage license paperwork (about 10 minutes)
and then you get married. If you have chosen photos, we will
spend time getting the perfect shot of you and any guests you have.
It very simple, beautiful and stress free!
For
the Sailboat Only Wedding the proceedings last about 2 1/2 - 3
hours. We depart the marina, sail for a bit, you get married where
ever you like on the boat, take photos, have
lots of fun and sail back to the marina.
For the Tropical Island Beach BBQ
approximately from 5-7 hours
dependent upon the size of your party. We will depart the
marina, sail to a beautiful white sand island, you get married, have
the best BBQ of your life, enjoy the island, we take lots of photos
of you and then sail back. Did we mention the part about
having the best day of your life??
>top
Q: How many people may I invite
on a boat wedding?
A: If a sailboat wedding or pontoon wedding we are licensed for 6 (six) guests
per boat (INCLUDING BRIDE AND GROOM).
We can accommodate
18 guests upon 3 sailboats and another 6 on a pontoon boat for a
total of 24 guests only.
We are licensed for SIX (6)
passengers only PER BOAT. Yes, children, whatever age, are considered a
passenger according to the Coast Guard. (Basically anything with a heart
boat - OK!) Please DO NOT ask us to take seven (7) or more
passengers unless you plan on chartering a another boat. What
will happen if we take more than six passengers? We lose our captain's
license FOREVER, lose our occupational and state licensing, the sailboat is impounded
by the Coast Guard and we are fined $100,000. 'Nuff said!
>top
Q: How many people may I invite
for a beach wedding?
A: For beach only weddings we can
accommodate parties of 20 people or less ONLY due to county
licensing restrictions.
>top
Q: We'd like to meet with you
before the ceremony. Is that OK?
A: Can we be frank? This
isn't a $50,000 wedding. If you'd prefer to meet prior to your
wedding we absolutely can accommodate your request. A
$75/hour planning fee plus travel time apply. We have many years
of experience planning wonderful beach/boat/island weddings - trust
us!
>top
Q: Where can I change into my
gown or tux?
A: All sailboats have staterooms (bedrooms) and private heads
(bathrooms). For beach weddings at Green Key Beach and Howard
Park, there are
public rest rooms which are kept very clean!
>top
Q: May I bring bring my own
decorations to the beach?
A: Sorry - as much as we would love to save you money, the
county requires liability insurance from all wedding companies and
individuals. You may not bring additional decoration or
equipment - no ifs, ands, or buts. (Their rules not ours!!)
If you want to apply for insurance and additional permitting - go
for it!
>top
Q: What if it rains on my
wedding day?
A: You get wet. We will
do our best to schedule according to the weather. Some changes
in scheduling time may need to occur - but no worries. We'll
work it out. We ask that, if possible, you please allow for time before and
after your desired date. Flexibility is a must when
dealing with Mother Nature.
>top
Q: May I marry someone of the
same gender?
A: Sorry, Florida law
prohibits same-sex marriages. However, if you would like a
"union ceremony", we are most happy to assist with your special day.
We also have officiates working with Windsong Charters who have had
union ceremonies themselves if you prefer they perform your
ceremony.
>top
Q: May I write my own vows?
A: Absolutely! We
encourage it! Once your deposit is paid, you will be emailed a
link with several examples of vows you can mix and match. Vows
MUST be received in our office no later than 48 hours in advance of
your wedding. If we do not receive your vow choice within 48
hours of your ceremony - your officiate will make their own choice.
>top
Q: Why must I tip?
A: It is customary to give those
involved (bartender, photographer, officiate, captain, etc.) in making your special day come true a gratuity based on
the level of service provided. It is a personal expression of
gratitude for service given and appreciated.
Most wedding companies add on a
service fee (aka "tip" up to 30%) - Windsong Charters does
not believe this is right and does not "cover up" the term
or jack up our prices.
Here are some articles to assist in making the right
decision for you:
http://www.ourmarriage.com/html/tipping.html
http://www.wedaholic.com/archives/to_tip_or_not_to_tip_gratuities_for_your_wedding_suppliers.php
http://www.cheap-chic-weddings.com/wedding-tipping.html
http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php
Typically your sailboat or boat captain is given a
gratuity of 10-15%. Your officiate approximately $75 - $200. If you would
like to give the photographer a tip if s/he has gone the extra mile,
feel free.
Just remember, stiffing your captain, especially, is like stiffing
your waitress at your favorite restaurant for the best meal you ever
had.
>top
Q: I'm really nervous about
getting married and know I will need "a little something" to get
through. Any suggestions?
A: Legally we cannot perform
the marriage ceremony if
intoxicated or under the influence of some mind/behavior- altering
substance. Both the bride and groom must appear to be
willing participants and mentally capable of entering into the
marriage at the time of the ceremony. We know some great massage
therapists if you're interested! They will even come to you!
>top
Q: Who is marrying me?
A: You have a choice of
a commissioned Notary Public appointed by the State of
Florida (like a Justice of the Peace) or non-denominational
Ordained Minister. Jet
let us know your preference and we are happy to
accommodate the special type of service for you.
>top
Q:
Is it PROFESSIONAL photography?
A: We use staff photographers
all very well trained in wedding photography and capturing your
special day. We use a small digital cameral for your photos. No
retouching, no editing, just raw photos. All photos are
burned to a CD and mailed within 30 days of your wedding date. They are YOURS to do
with as you like! No additional cost for reprints. We use a high resolution so you will be very happy with
any reprints or enlargements. Check out our wedding gallery
HERE. Many of our photographers are ether ex-professionals
or serious amateurs who have won countless awards.
You can also order a
DVD of your wedding
day with all the photos and your choice of music for $50. To
view a sample of the DVD click
HERE.
>top
Q: Why should we
choose Windsong Charters to marry us?
A: EASY!
We've compiled a "Top 10" below and a few
testimonials!
10 - We are a reputable
company which has been in business for many years. We take
cash, credit / debit cards and travelers checks. Please be
wary of companies that ONLY take cash or a check in a
personal name, not a business name.
9 - We always allow your friends and family to bring their
own camcorders or cameras unlike many other companies who
prohibit it. We'll even take pictures with YOUR camera
(given we have a free hand at the time).
8 - You ALWAYS know our policies, cancellation policies,
guidelines PRIOR to handing down cash - unlike other
companies who will only give you the contract AFTER you have
given them a non refundable deposit.
7 - Many companies make the
bride and groom plan for inclement weather - we already have
several locales in case Mother Nature is having a hissy fit
that day (additional fees MAY apply).
6 - Windsong does NOT add a "Service Fee". Other companies
add up to and additional 30% service fee. In layman's terms, a
"service fee" is to ensure the officiate, crew and owners
get a "tip". Although it is customary to give a gratuity to
your officiate and captain, we do not believe in jacking up
our prices and "hiding" costs. If there were others
instrumental in making your special day come true, a
gratuity is most appreciated.
5 - Windsong Charters does NOT add extra fees for weekends
like many other companies do. We believe every day is a day
of celebration. Adding an extra charge for popular days may
seem contrary to popular belief, but we don't feel right
charging up to $300 more just because you choose a Saturday
instead of Tuesday. (MAJOR holidays being an exception -
hey! We have families too! Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day,
New Years Eve/Day and possibly the owner's birthday.)
4 - Windsong requests a 30% non - refundable deposit
compared to others who require a 50% non-refundable deposit.
3 - Flexibility. It's YOUR wedding. We take every wedding
request personally and to heart. You are NOT a number or
just another date. You wedding is handled personally by one
of our highly skilled professionals
to ensure YOUR perfect day.
2 - You choose the services you want for YOUR day. Windsong
does not believe in making up "pre-determined, one size fits
all, packages" as many other companies do. You choose what
you want for your special day! We are happy to work with you
on what you want. If our "packages" do not meet your needs
we
are flexible and will work with you.
1 - Importance. Does the wedding company you have contacted
get back to you within a reasonable time period? Do they
take several days or weeks to respond? If they get back to
you immediately, this is a sign of
professionalism. Your wedding is as important to you as it
is to us.
>top
For questions regarding a
marriage license not answered above, please contact
the Pasco County Government complex at (727) 847 - 2411 or
www.pascocountyfl.net.
It's YOUR day - Get married the way YOU want
